Eastern Syria: SDF Retreating from Border with Iraq, Paving Ground for ISIL’s Return

The Arabic-language Al-Manar news website reported that the SDF has retreated from a number of regions in Southeastern Deir Ezzur at Syria-Iraq border, adding that the move will open a road for the ISIL terrorists to have access again from the Eastern bank of the Euphrates River to Tal Safouk region in Southeastern Hasaka.

An Arab media outlet said on Wednesday that a sum of 1,700 Kurdish gunmen of the SDF left their positions in Raqqa, Deir Ezzur and Hasaka for Afrin region in Northwestern Aleppo to stand against the Turkish incursion.

The Arabic-language Elam al-Harbi reported that the SDF called 1,700 gunmen from the battlefields against ISIL and sent them to Afrin to face the Turkish troops and the Ankara-backed Free Syrian Army militants operating under Operation Olive Branch.

More fighters are expected to head towards Afrin region in the coming days, as Kurds prepare for a major battle against the Turkey and Ankara-backed militants.